Shortly after Lester B. Pearson became prime minister of Canada in 1963, George Theriault received a phone call from his secretary who made a special request.
Mary MacDonald, the prime minister's long time secretary, said Mr. Pearson was hosting a "VIP game dinner party".
Writing in his fascinating book 'Trespassing in God's Country', Mr. Theriault explained that "He wanted to serve moose meat as one of the main courses. He had specifically asked if I could provide him with a hundred pounds of meat for his party. Even though it was late in the moose hunting season, I was confident that I could find just the right moose to satisfy his desire, so I agreed."
How did Mr. Theriault become acquainted with the prime minister of Canada? Mr. Theriault met him while stationed at Rockcliffe while he was serving in the RCAF and Mr. Pearson was a "high ranking government official". Later when Mr. Pearson entered politics and became the member of parliament for Algoma East, which included Chapleau, They renewed their friendship.
Mr. Theriault had established his air base at Chapleau after retiring from the RCAF in 1954.
After the phone call, Mr. Theriault flew out to Sahler Lake with his friend and hunting buddy Bill Clarke to dismantle a tent camp they had used during a busy two weeks for moose hunting.
"We finished our chores quickly then paddled the canoe across the lake to a creek. We pulled the canoe onto the shore and walked up a trail along the side of the creek. About three quarters of a mile up the creek, we caught site of a young cow feeding in the shallow water of the creek. Instantly Bill and I both had the same thought --- there's the prime minister's moose. Without hesitating for one moment, I raised my gun and shot it."
Everything was working out well and within a few days the moose was hung and butchered, and then ... Mr. Theriault entered his office at the airbase only to discover that someone had broken into the building through one of the windows.
The prime minister's moose had been stolen!
Mr. Theriault notified the Ontario Provincial Police who had coincidentally stopped a car the night before with moose meat in it. However, after visiting the home of the car driver, the police found no meat.
Now Mr. Theriault was in quite a predicament. It was too late to go hunting.
Ross Sawyer to the rescue!!!
Ross gave him a hind quarter of a moose that he had shot for his family, and this was sent to the prime minister for his party.
"It may not have been as tasty as the young cow, but it was moose meat nonetheless. The dinner party turned out to be a success after all, and the prime minister conveyed his appreciation."
'Trespassing in God's Country: Sixty Years of Flying in Northern Canada' is a must read for anyone interested in our north country..
George Theriault died on May 26, 2015 at age 95. I leave you with the final paragraph from his book: "That's the most amazing thing: life just goes on -- with us and without us. None of us are permanent fixtures on this landscape; we are all trespassers in God's country." May he rest in peace.
Thanks to John Theriault, one of Mr. Theriault's sons who provided me with a copy of his father's book.
Also, I extend my most sincere best wishes to all for the holiday season. Enjoy! Stay safe! Peace be with you. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
My email is mj.morris@live.ca
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